FROM JOHN JAY TO JOHN ADAMS. New York, March 15, 1785. Dear Sir, The enclosed extracts from the journal of Congress, will inform you of your appointment to go as Minister to the Court of London, and of Mr. Smith being elected Secretary of Legation. I congratulate you on this event. It argues the confidence reposed in you by the United States, and I am persuaded, will redound to your advantage, as well as to your reputation. The necessary papers are preparing, and Mr. Smith will carry them to you by the next packet. With great respect, &c. JOHN JAY. FROM JOHN JAY TO JOHN ADAMS. Dear Sir, Office for Foreign Affairs, The packet not sailing until to-morrow, has put it in my power to get your commission, instructions and letter of credence completed. You will find them herewith enclosed. I also send you another parcel, of which Mr. Randall is also to take charge, the journals printed since those with which I understand you have already been furnished. I have the honor to be, &c. JOHN JAY. Extract from the Secrect Journals of Congress, March 14th, 1785. The Secretary for the Department of Foreign Affairs having reported the form of a commission to Mr. Adams, appointed to represent the United States at the Court of London, and to Mr. W. Smith, appointed Secretary to the said Legation, and the same being amended to read as follows: The United States of America in Congress assembled, to our trusty and well beloved John Adams, Esq, send greeting: We, reposing especial trust and confidence in your integrity, prudence and ability, have nominated, constituted and appointed, and by these presents do nominate, constitute and appoint you, the said John Adams, our Minister Plenipotentiary to reside at the Court of his Britannic Majesty, and do give you full power and authority there to represent us, and to do and perform all such matters and things as to the said place or office doth appertain, or as may by our instructions be given unto you in charge. This commission to continue in force for the space of three years from this day, unless sooner revoked. In testimony whereof, we have caused the seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed. Witness, his Excellency R. H. Lee, our President, at the city of New York, this day of in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five, and of our sovereignty and independence the ninth. The United States of America in Congress assembled, to our trusty and beloved William S. Smith, Esquire, send greeting: We, reposing special trust and confidence in your integrity, prudence and ability, have nominated, constituted and appointed, and by these presence do nominate, constitute and appoint you, the said William S. Smith, Secretary to our Legation to his Britannic Majesty. This commission to continue in force for the space of three years from this day, unless sooner revoked. In testimony whereof, we have caused the seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed. Witness his Excellency, R. H. Lee, our President, at the City of New York, this day of in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five, and of our sovereignty and independence the ninth. Ordered, That the said forms be referred to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs to take order. FROM JOHN ADAMS TO JOHN JAY. Dear Sir, Bath Hotel, Westminser, May 29, 1785. I was obliged to a letter from the Duke of Dorset to the custom house at Dover, as I suppose, for the respect with which my baggage was allowed to pass without a visit, and arrived in Westminster on the 25th, at evening. I wrote late at night, to the Marquis of Carmarthen, that I was arrived and desired to be informed at what hour I should call upon his Lordship. The next morning I had an answer, that his Lordship would be glad to see me at one at his house, or at four at his office. I went accordingly at one, with Colonel Smith, who very luckily arrived the evening before me. We were received with out loss of time, and treated with great politeness. I showed his Lordship my original commission and left him a copy; Colonel Smith showed his commission and left a copy. His Lordship then desired me to call upon him at his office on Wednesday next, and he would introduce me to his Majesty in his private closet, after the levee, where I should present my letter of credence, and that, on the next levee day, according to the usage, Colonel Smith would also be presented to his Majesty. I asked his Lordship's advice whether my letter to the King should be under seal and what should be the superscription. He said he would make a minute of it for me. He has since written to me that it must be under seal, and mentioned the superscription of the States General, and added that it was customary for all Foreign Ministers to leave with the Secretary of State a copy of their credentials to the King or Queen. I sent a copy accordingly by the Secretary of Legation, who was admitted to his Lordship, delivered the letter, and received a verbal approbation of the proposed superscription. I have the honor to enclose copies of all the letters which have passed between the Secretary of State and me, numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and am sorry I have not time to write more fully by Mr. Curson. But the distraction of such occasions is excuse enough. The puzzle of finding lodgings, a house, servants, liveries, carriage, horses, making and receiving visits, getting my effects from Auteuil and the Hague, are such as no man can form an idea of who has not passed through it.. With great and sincere esteem, &c. FROM JOHN ADAMS TO LORD CARMARTHEN. Mr. Adams has the honor to acquaint the Right Honorable the Marquis of Carmarthen, that he is just arrived in town with credentials from the United States of America, and desires to be informed at what hour he may have the honor of paying his respects to his Lordship. Bath Hotel, May 26, 1785. FROM LORD CARMARTHEN TO MR. ADAMS. Lord Carmarthen presents his compliments to Mr. Adams, and shall be glad to see Mr. Adams this day about one o'clock in Grosvenor's Square, or at his office in Cleaveland Row about four, whichever is most convenient to Mr. Adams. Grosvenor Square, May 27, 1785. JOHN ADAMS TO LORD CARMARTHEN. Mr. Adams presents his compliments to the Right Honorable the Marquis of Carmarthen, and will have the honor of waiting on his Lordship in Grosvenor Square at one, according to his Lordship's proposal. Colonel Smith, the Secretary to the American commission, will have the honor of waiting on his Lordship at the same time. Bath Hotel, May 27, 1785. |